Inflatable Unit Load Device

ABSTRACT

An inflatable unit load device that is used to deploy cargo from an aircraft is described herein. In some instances, the inflatable unit load device may include a bladder having one or more inflatable interior bladder cells and a top surface, the top surface of the bladder forming a rigid support surface when the bladder is inflated on which cargo can be loaded, an outer material that positions the one or more inflatable interior bladder cells of the bladder, and a cargo retaining system that retains the cargo on the top surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No 63/026,119, titled “UnitLoad Device”, filed on May 17, 2020, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to technology for, among other things, aninflatable unit load device.

Current implementations of unit load devices are pallets or containersthat are used to load luggage, freight, and mail on aircraft. Currentunit load devices allow large quantities of cargo to be bundled into asingle unit which makes it easier to plan for, load, and unload thecargo from the aircraft. In military implementations, unit load devicesmay be used to deploy various cargo, including vehicles and other heavyloads, out of the aircraft. In some implementations, unit load devicesare parachute deployable and the cargo may be deployed out of theaircraft as it flies.

Current implementations of unit load devices are rigid and of a fixedshape and dimension, such as a metal pallet or metal box. These rigidunit load devices consume both critical space and weight on the aircraftboth in the loaded and unloaded states. These rigid unit load devicesalso consume additional space in storage when they are not being used orafter being deployed.

Current implementations of parachute deployable rigid unit load devices,such as a rigid unit load device that is deployed from an airborneaircraft and slowed on decent to the earth using a parachute, aresubject to impact damage on landing. This impact damage to the rigidunit load device can render the rigid unit load device useless forfuture deployments, thereby increasing waste, cost, and environmentalimpact, and can also result in damage to the goods that are loaded onthe rigid unit load device. Additionally, in some military operations,once the rigid unit load device is deployed via parachute, the rigidunit load device is cumbersome to carry around or hide (such as byburying) after it is unloaded.

SUMMARY

According to one innovative aspect of the subject matter described inthis disclosure, one general aspect of an inflatable unit load devicemay include: a bladder having one or more inflatable interior bladdercells and a top surface, the top surface of the bladder forming a rigidsupport surface when the bladder is inflated on which cargo can beloaded; an outer material that positions the one or more inflatableinterior bladder cells, and a cargo retaining system that retains thecargo on the top surface.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Theinflatable unit load device where the one or more inflatable interiorbladder cells are patchable when a leak occurs. The cargo retainingsystem is configured to attach to a parachute and be deployed from anaircraft. The bladder has a bottom surface opposing the top surface andwhere the one or more inflatable interior bladder cells are disposedbetween the top surface and the bottom surface, such that the bladderprotects the cargo from an impact force to the bottom surface duringdeployment from an aircraft. The one or more inflatable interior bladdercells include one or more pressure relief valves. The one or morepressure relief valves are configured to release an internal pressurewithin the one or more pressure relief valves when the internal pressureexceeds a threshold value. The one or more inflatable interior bladdercells include a mechanical flange for one or more of inflation of theone or more inflatable interior bladder cells and deflation of the oneor more inflatable interior bladder cells. The one or more inflatableinterior bladder cells and the outer material are configured to berolled up for storage when deflated. The cargo is a vehicle positionedon the top surface when the bladder is inflated and securely retained inplace by the cargo retaining system. The cargo retaining system includesa webbing system having s a center strap that wraps circumferentiallyaround the outer material, the center strap including one or more loopsthrough which parachuting webbing straps may be passed, the one or moreloops retaining the parachute webbing in place when the one or moreinflatable interior bladder cells are inflated.

One general aspect includes a method of deploying an inflatable unitload. The method also includes positioning a cargo retaining systemaround a deflated outer material of an inflatable unit load device thatincludes a bladder with one or more inflatable interior bladder cells;inflating the one or more interior bladder cells of the bladder of theinflatable unit load device until a top surface of the inflatable unitload device is sufficiently stable to support a cargo, loading a cargoonto the top surface, and securing the cargo using attachment mechanismsof the cargo retaining system.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Themethod of deploying the inflatable unit load device where the cargoretaining system includes parachute attachment mechanisms and the methodfurther may include attaching a parachute system to the parachuteattachment mechanisms; and deploying the cargo with the inflatable unitload device out of an aircraft via the parachute system. The bladder hasa bottom surface opposing the top surface and the one or more interiorbladder cells are disposed between the top surface and the bottomsurface such that an impact force applied to the bottom surface isdissipated by the one or more inflatable interior bladder cells toprotect the cargo from the impact force. After landing, the methodfurther may include unloading the cargo from the top surface; deflatingthe one or more interior bladder cells of the bladder; and rolling upthe deflated outer material and the one or more interior bladder cellsof the bladder for storage. Cargo is further protected from the impactforce by an impact pillow that is positioned between the cargo and thetop surface.

One general aspect includes an. The inflatable unit load device systemalso includes a bladder having one or more inflatable interior bladdercells disposed between a top surface and a bottom surface, the topsurface of the bladder forming a rigid support surface on which cargocan be loaded when the bladder is inflated; a cargo retaining systemthat retains the cargo on the top surface; and an impact pillow with aseparate inflatable bladder system, the impact pillow being positionedbetween the top surface and at least a portion of the cargo to provideadditional protection to the cargo.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Theinflatable unit load device system where the impact pillow isspecifically shaped to provide protection to at least a portion of thecargo when an impact force is applied to the bottom surface. The impactpillow includes one or more impact pillow pressure relief valves thatare configured to release pressure at a first threshold pressure valueand where the one or more inflatable interior bladder cells include oneor more pressure relief valves that are configured to release pressureat a second threshold pressure value. The first threshold pressure valueand the second threshold pressure value providing cascading pressurerelief to protect at least a portion of the cargo from an impact forceapplied to the bottom surface during landing. The cargo retaining systemis further configured to attach to a parachute system and the cargo isdeployable from an aircraft via the parachute system.

The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive andmany additional features and advantages will be apparent to one orordinary skill in the art in view of the figures and description.Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specificationhas been selected for readability and instructional purposes and not tolimit the scope of the inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way oflimitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which likereference numerals are used to refer to similar elements.

FIG. 1 is an example inflatable unit load device with an example cargo.

FIG. 2A is a top view of an example inflatable unit load device.

FIG. 2B is a front-side view of an example inflatable unit load device.

FIG. 2C is a left-side view of an example inflatable unit load device.

FIG. 2D is a right-side view of an example inflatable unit load device.

FIG. 3A is a top view of an example impact pillow.

FIG. 3B is a front-side view of an example impact pillow.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for a method of loading cargo using an inflatableunit load device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for a method of deploying cargo using aninflatable unit load device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The technology disclosed in this application describes an inflatableunit load device 102 and methods of deploying the inflatable unit loaddevice 102. FIG. 1 shows an example inflatable unit load device 102 withan example cargo 110. As shown in FIG. 1, in some implementations, theinflatable unit load device 102 may have a substantially flat topsurface and cargo 110 or other material may be loaded on the top surfaceof the unit load device 102.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the cargo 110 is a vehicle that ispositioned on the top surface of the inflatable unit load device 102.The cargo 110 may be secured to the inflatable unit load device 102using a cargo retaining system that in some implementations may includethe side tie-down rings 108 a and/or 108 b and/or the corner tie-downrings 106 a and/or 106 b. In some implementations, the tie-down rings106 and 108 may use D-rings or other attachment mechanisms to securewebbing straps that are passed around the cargo 110. In someimplementations, the cargo retaining system may further include webbingstraps and/or D-rings rated up to 10,000 pounds, although otherimplementations with other weight ratings are also contemplated.

As shown in FIG. 1, the inflatable unit load device 102 may also includeparachute rigging attachments 104, such as parachute rigging attachments104 a, 104 b, and 104 c in the example shown in FIG. 1. The parachuterigging attachments 104 may be part of the cargo retaining system andmay include webbing straps or other attachment mechanisms that passaround, or through the inflatable unit load device 102 in someimplementations, and attach to the parachute system when the inflatableunit load device 102 and cargo 110 are being deployed via parachute froman aircraft.

The inflatable unit load device 102 may include a bladder 240 that canbe inflated and/or deflated and is multi-configurable for differentformats of use. When the bladder 240 of the inflatable unit load device102 is inflated, the inflatable unit load device 102 forms a semi-rigid,substantially flat top surface that is suitable for loading variouscargo 110, like a rigid metal unit load device. However, the inflatableunit load device 102 can perform the same function as the rigid unitload device while also being much lighter in weight as compared to arigid unit load device. For example, in some implementations, theinflatable unit load device 102 may weigh 200 pounds, while thecomparable rigid metal pallets weigh 800 pounds. This decrease in weightallows additional air cargo space to be used and/or reduces overallweight/fuel consumption of an aircraft during flight as compared to arigid unit load device. This reduced weight of the inflatable unit loaddevice 102 means more weight can be allocated to the transport aircraftfor cargo 110 or less fuel burned for equal volume of freight.

In some implementations, the bladder 240 of the inflatable unit loaddevice 102 may have the top surface and a bottom surface opposing thetop surface. The bladder 240 may include one or more inflatable bladdercells 240 a-240 n that are disposed between the top surface and thebottom surface. The inflatable unit load device 102 provides increasedprotection from impact forces applied to the bottom surface. Thisprotection from the impact force protects both the inflatable unit loaddevice 102 and the cargo 110 on impact, such as a landing impact via aparachute deployment. The inflatable unit load device 102 can compresson impact as compared to a rigid unit load device. In someimplementations, on impact the inflatable unit load device 102 is ableto release pressure through one or more valves of the inflatable unitload device 102, in order to spread the impact force out over a periodof time and reduce the potential for damage to the inflatable unit loaddevice 102 and/or the cargo 110.

In some implementations, when the bladder 240 of the inflatable unitload device 102 is deflated, the unit load device 102 can be packedaway, such as by rolling or folding it up. In one example, a rolled-upinflatable unit load device 102 may measure around 18 inches wide by 75inches long, although other dimensions are also contemplated based onthe side of the inflatable unit load device 102. By packing the deflatedinflatable unit load device 102 away, it can save space both on anaircraft and in storage. In some implementations, after being deployedvia a parachute, the deflated inflatable unit load device 102 can berolled up and easily transported, such as on the back or side of avehicle that was being transported as cargo 110 on the inflatable unitload device 102. This is beneficial as compared to the rigid unit loaddevices since the deflated inflatable unit load device 102 can be easilyrolled up and transported or buried/hidden after use.

In some implementations, the inflatable unit load device 102 is readilypatchable if a leak occurs in one or more of the inflatable interiorbladder cells 240 a-240 n of the bladder 240 of the inflatable unit loaddevice 102 occurs, such as during a parachute deployment, etc. Beingeasily patchable as compared to the rigid unit load devices, isbeneficial because it allows the inflatable unit load device 102 to bereused and/or fixed in the field as needed rather than purchasing newrigid unit load devices. In some implementations, the inflatable unitload device 102 may be patched using various patching methods to sealany punctures or holes and restore the inflatable unit load device 102to the exact dimension and shape in a matter of minutes.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D depict various views of the inflatable unitload device 102. FIG. 2A shows a top view of the inflatable unit loaddevice 102. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 2A, the inflatableunit load device 102 may form a rectangular shape with a substantiallyflat top surface when the bladder 240 is inflated. As shown in FIG. 2A,various attachment mechanisms of the cargo retaining system may besituated on the inflatable unit load device 102. For example, cargoretaining system may include the side webbing attachments 208, such as208 a, 208 b, 208 c, 208 d, 208 e, 208 f, 208 g and 208 h, that may beattached to the side panels of the inflatable unit load device 102. Infurther implementations, the cargo retaining system may include webbingattachments 208 may be straps that pass around and under the inflatableunit load device 102 and allow cargo 110 (not shown) or parachutesystems to attach to the inflatable unit load device 102. The cargoretaining system may further include side webbing attachments 208 thatmay have D-rings or other attachment mechanisms that can use webbing orother strapping systems to secure cargo 110 to the top surface of theinflatable unit load device 102. It should be understood that while aspecific number of side webbing attachments 208 of the cargo retainingmechanism are shown in FIG. 2A, various quantities of side webbingattachments 208 are contemplated based on the cargo configurationsand/or size of the inflatable unit load device 102.

In further implementations, the cargo retaining mechanism may includefront webbing attachments 210, such as 201 a, 210 b, 210 c, and 210 d,that may be attached to the side panels of the inflatable unit loaddevice 102 along the front and rear of the inflatable unit load device102. The front webbing attachments 210 may be attached to the sidepanels of the inflatable unit load device 102. In furtherimplementations, the cargo retaining mechanism may include front webbingattachments 210 that may be straps that pass around and under theinflatable unit load device 102 and allow cargo 110 (not shown) orparachute systems to attach to the inflatable unit load device 102. Thecargo retaining system may include side webbing attachments 210 may haveD-rings or other attachment mechanisms that can use webbing or otherstrapping systems to secure cargo 110 to the top surface of theinflatable unit load device 102. In further implementations, cargoretaining system may include front webbing attachments 210 that may bestraps that pass around and under the inflatable unit load device 102and allow cargo 110 (not shown) or parachute systems to attach to theinflatable unit load device 102. The cargo retaining system may includefront webbing attachments 210 that may have D-rings or other attachmentmechanisms that can use webbing or other strapping systems to securecargo 110 to the top surface of the inflatable unit load device 102. Itshould be understood that while a specific number of front webbingattachments 210 are shown in FIG. 2A, various quantities of frontwebbing attachments 210 are contemplated based on the cargoconfigurations and/or size of the inflatable unit load device 102.

In some implementations, an access point 216 may be included in theinflatable unit load device 102. The access point 216 is depicted aszippers 216 a and 216 b on FIG. 2A and the zippers 216 a and 216 b arelocated on the top surface and/or a bottom surface of the inflatableunit load device 102. The access point 216 may be a zipper, Velcro,overlapping seam, button, ties, or other mechanism that allows the outermaterial of the inflatable unit load device 102 to be opened andprovides access to the bladder 240 situated inside of the outer materialof the inflatable unit load device 102. The outer material of theinflatable unit load device 102 may act as a protective cover and keepthe bladder 240 positioned correctly.

In some implementations, one or more friction pads 226 may be positionedon various surfaces of the inflatable unit load device 102 foradditional protection, such as on the top surface as shown in FIG. 2Aand 2B. The friction pad 226 may be a sheet of protective material orsections of protective material that may be attached to the inflatableunit load device 102. In some implementations, the friction pad 226 maybe positioned within a plate sleeve formed into the outer material ofthe inflatable unit load device 102.

In some implementations, the cargo retaining system may include a centerstrap 204 that may pass circumferentially around the inflatable unitload device 102 from the left side to the right side. The center strap204 may be positioned substantially within the center of the inflatableunit load device 102. In further implementations, multiple center straps204 may be used that may be positioned circumferentially around theinflatable unit load device 102. The center strap 204 may include straploops within portions of the center strap 204 that allows parachuterigging straps or other straps of the cargo retaining system (such asstraps 104 or 208) to pass throw in order to keep the parachute riggingstraps from sliding around on the inflatable unit load device 102. Thecenter strap 204 may act as a harness system to position the parachuterigging straps in the correct locations for attaching a parachutesystem. In some implementations, the cargo retaining system, such as thecenter strap 204 and/or other straps (such as straps 104, 208, or 210)may be positioned before the inflatable unit load device 102 isinflated. After the inflatable unit load device 102 is inflated, theinflatable unit load device 102 expands into the positioning of thecenter strap 204 and/or other straps (such as straps 104, 208, or 210)and keeps the straps securely in place until the inflatable unit loaddevice 102 is deflated. This allows for quick positioning of the cargoretaining system, such as the various strap systems, prior to inflationof the inflatable unit load device 102 and when it is easier tomanipulate the deflated inflatable unit load device 102 as compared to arigid unit load device.

FIG. 2B is a front-side view of the inflatable unit load device 102. Asshown in FIG. 2B, the inflatable unit load device 102 may havesubstantially flat top and bottom surfaces and may have a height basedon the dimensions of the inflatable bladder 240. In one implementation,the height of the inflatable unit load device 102 may be around 12inches, although other dimensions are also contemplated. The outermaterial may include sidewall panels 230, such as 230 a and 230 b,around the sides of the inflatable unit load device 102, and a topsurface and bottom surface that may include top and bottom sleeve panels222, such as 222 a and 22 b. The sidewall panels 230 and top and bottomsleeve panels 222 may form the rectangular structure of the inflatableunit load device 102. It should be understood that while a rectangularshape is depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D, other shapes and configurations arealso contemplated based on the cargo and/or parameters for theinflatable unit load device 102. It should further be understood that insome implementations, one or more of the interior bladder cells 240depicted in FIG. 2C may also be inflated to various pressures in variousconfigurations in order to change the overall structure and/or shape ofthe inflatable unit load device 102.

In some implementations, pass-through rigging slots 234 may be formedwithin the inflatable unit load device 102. The pass-through riggingslots 234 may be a channel or sleeve that passes through the inflatableunit load device 102 and provides a place for webbing straps to bethreaded through the pass-through rigging slots 234. This keeps thewebbing straps from being exposed during loading, transportation, ordeployment of the inflatable unit load device 102 as the webbing strapsare located within the interior of the inflatable unit load device 102rather running along the bottom of the inflatable unit load device 102.

In some implementations, slat pockets may be included within the outermaterial, or in pass-through slots on the inflatable unit load device102 that reinforcement slats may be situated within. In someimplementations, the slat pockets may receive the friction board orother protective material. In further implementations, the slat pocketsmay retain and position reinforcement slats, such as plywood or aluminumslats that provide additional protection to the inflatable unit loaddevice 102. The reinforcement slats can spread out the weight of theload across the entire portion of the material and provide additionalprotection and strength where the reinforcement slats are located.

FIG. 2C shows an interior exposed view of a left-side view of theinflatable unit load device 102. As shown in FIG. 2C, the inflatableunit load device 102 may include a bladder 240 disposed between the topsurface and the bottom surface. The bladder 240 may include one or moreinterior bladders cells 240 a-240 n, such as 240 a, 240 b, 240 c, 240 d,240 e, and/or 240 f. The bladder 240 may be form factored to be aspecific shape when inflated and may be formed out of a durable andinflatable material. It should be understood that while the interiorbladder cells 240 a-240 n are depicted as being cylindrical in shape inFIG. 2C, other shapes and configurations are also contemplated for theinterior bladder cells 240. The interior bladder cells 240 a-240 n maybe positioned and retained within the inflatable unit load device 102using the outer material. In some implementations, the outer materialmay have securing mechanisms in place to retain the one or more interiorbladder cells 240 in place within the outer material, even whendeflated. In some configurations, the shape and configuration of thebladder 240 keeps the inflatable unit load device 102 from folding,tacoing, or canoeing during an airdrop deployment.

In some implementations, the interior bladder cells 240 may include oneor more pressure relief valves 242, such as 242 a, 242 b, 242 c, 242 d,242 e, and/or 242 f. It should be understood that while the pressurerelief valves in FIG. 2C are depicted as being located on the ends ofthe interior bladder cells 240, the pressure relief valves can belocated anywhere on the interior bladder cells 240 as appropriate andmay be used to assist in dissipating impact force as needed, such asduring landing from a parachute deployment. The pressure relief valves240 may be configured to release excess pressure as needed when theinterior pressure within each of the interior bladder cells 240 a-240 nexceeds specific pressures. The pressure relief valves 240 may be set orswitched out for different pressure relief valves that configured torelease when the interior pressure exceeds specific thresholds. Thisallows the inflatable unit load device 102 to have specific pressurerelief thresholds where the pressure relief valves release based onmission parameters. For example, heavier cargo 110 loads may requirehigher pressure releases of pressure relief valves to accommodate theincreased impact force from the heavier cargo 110 load on landing.

In some implementations, the cargo retaining system may include extendedD-ring 246, such as 246 a or 246 b, that may extend out from the topsurface of the inflatable unit load device 102 and assist in easiersecuring of the cargo 110. In further implementations, the extendedD-ring 246 may be another type of attachment mechanism that is suitablefor securing the cargo 110 to the inflatable unit load device 102.

FIG. 2D depicts a right-side view of the inflatable unit load device102. As shown in FIG. 2D, one or more of the interior bladder cells 240a-240 n may include a mechanical flange 244, such as 244 a, 244 b, 244c, 244 d, 244 e, or 244 f, that allows the one or more interior bladdercells 240 a-240 n to be inflated or deflated as needed. The mechanicalflange 244 may be a suitable connection point that an inflation device,such as an air compressor, may be attached to inflate the interiorbladder cells 240. In some implementations, the mechanical flange 244may be a common connection type that allows the inflatable unit loaddevice 102 to be used in field by a common air compressor with thecorrect attachment mechanism. In some implementations, the mechanicalflange 244 may include one or more back-up or additional inflationmechanisms that increase the dependability of the inflatable unit loaddevice 102. In some implementations, the mechanical flange 244 may beprotrude through the outer material for ease of accessibility. Infurther implementations, the mechanical flange 244 may be protected bythe outer material or additional flaps of protective material to keepthe mechanical flange 244 from being damaged during storage, loading,transport, or deployment of the inflatable unit load device 102.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show an example impact pillow 302 for use with theinflatable unit load device 102. FIG. 3A shows a top view of the impactpillow 302. The impact pillow 302 may be an additional protectiveinflation system that is configured to protect the cargo 110 of theinflatable unit load device 102. The impact pillow 302 may include oneor more interior bladder cells and pressure release valves that are setto release when the impact pillow 302 is compressed and the interiorpressure of the impact pillow 302 increases. In some implementations,the impact pillow 302 may be a general shape, while in otherimplementations it may be specially designed for certain cargo 110. Insome implementations, the impact pillow 302 may be positioned on thecargo 110 to protect the load, such as from the impact force on landingduring a parachute deployment. For example, the impact pillow 302 may bepositioned between the cargo 110 and the top surface of the inflatableunit load device 102, such that when the bottom surface of theinflatable unit load device 102 comes into contact with the ground onimpact, the impact force is spread out over time and dissipates as thepressure valves of the impact pillow and/or the inflatable unit loaddevice 102 are released. This spreading out of the impact force reducesthe chance of the impact force damaging the cargo 110.

In one specific example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the impact pillow 302 maybe shaped to fit underneath a vehicle as the cargo 110. For example, theimpact pillow 302 in this example may be shaped like the footprint ofthe skid plate on the vehicle and may rest underneath the vehicle whenthe vehicle is secured to the inflatable unit load device 102. As shownin FIG. 3B depicting the side-view of the impact pillow 302, the impactpillow 302 may fit between the wheels and rest against the underside ofthe vehicle. When the inflatable unit load device 102 makes impact, suchas with the ground, the impact pillow 302 absorbs and dissipates theimpact force over time to protect the vehicle.

In some implementations, the inflatable unit load device 102 and theimpact pillow 302 may rely on cascading deployment of the pressurevalves to further protect the cargo 110. The pressure valves of theimpact pillow 302 may be set to a different value than the one or morepressure relief valves 242 of the inflatable unit load device 102. Thisallows the impact pillow 302 to release pressure first to protect and/orabsorb the impact force over time before the rest of the inflatable unitload device 102 release pressure at a different pressure threshold. Forexample, on impact, the impact pillow 302 may compress first as theimpact shock transfers through the inflatable unit load device 102 andthe impact pillow may begin to deflate as the impact pillow pressurerelief value releases pressure in order to spread out the impact overtime as it passes on to the cargo 110. Then after the impact pillow 302releases pressure, the inflatable unit load device 102 may releasepressure at a different pressure threshold to further spread out theimpact force over time and protect the cargo 110. It should beunderstood that various pressure reliefs timings can be achieved usingthe cascading deployment of the pressure and different components of theinflatable unit load device 102 can release pressure at differentpressure thresholds as needed.

In some implementations, additional impact pillows 302 may be used tofurther protect the cargo 110 as needed. In some implementations, theimpact pillows 302 can be positioned at various points to absorbspecific impact forces. In some implementations, the impact pillows 302can be used in place of crunch board which is currently used in specificcrumble zones to absorb impact. However, crunch board can only be used asingle time and can be costly to install and use to protect cargo. Thereusable inflatable impact pillows 302 can be used reused over multiplemissions to protect cargo 110 and dissipate impact forces. The impactpillows 302 can be designed to various sizes and shapes to replace thecrunch board and can be set to specific pressure relief thresholds tofurther protect the cargo 110.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart 400 of an example method of loading an inflatableunit load device 102. At 402, a cargo retaining system that includeswebbing straps, such as 104, 208, or 210 or center strap 204 may bepositioned around a deflated bladder 240 of the inflatable unit loaddevice 102 that includes an outer material and one or more inflatableinterior bladder cells 240. The cargo retaining system may be laid outand positioned on the ground and then the outer material may be rolledout within the laid-out webbing system. At 404, the one or more interiorbladder cells 240 may be inflated up to a desired internal pressure,such as by using an air compressor or other inflation device asdescribed herein, until the top surface of the inflatable unit loaddevice 102 is sufficiently stable to support a cargo 110. In someimplementations, the desired internal pressure of the one or moreinterior bladder cells 240 causes a top surface to form as shown in FIG.2A. The top surface may be substantially rigid and allow for cargo to beloaded on top of the top surface. In some implementations, as the one ormore interior bladder cells inflate, the laid-out cargo retaining systembecome taut against the outer material which causes the cargo retainingsystem to stay securely in place around the inflated inflatable unitload device 102. At 406, the cargo 110 may be loaded onto the topsurface and at 408 the cargo may be secured by connecting variousstrapping system to the cargo retaining system using attachmentmechanisms.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart 500 of an example method of deploying aninflatable unit load device 102. At 502, once the inflatable unit loaddevice 102 and cargo 110 have arrived at their destination, such as byunloading from a cargo plane or landing via a parachute deployment. Insome implementations, the cargo 110 may be unloaded from the topsurface, for example, a vehicle may be driven off the top surface orotherwise moved off the top surface. At 504, the one or more interiorbladder cells 240 a . . . 240 n of the bladder 240 may be deflated, suchas by allowing the pressured gas and/or liquid to release from the oneor more interior bladder cells 240 a . . . 240 n. The one or moreinterior bladder cells 240 a . . . 240 n may be deflated using a pump ora valve that can be opened to release the internal pressurized material.At 506, the outer material and the one or more interior bladder cells240 a . . . 240 n of the bladder 240 may be rolled-up or folded tocompact the inflatable unit load device 102 for storage.

In some implementations, once the inflatable unit load device 102 hasbeen deployed and is deflated, it can be used for various additionaluses. For example, the inflatable unit load device 102 could be used asa flotation device by reinflating one or more of the inflatable interiorbladder cells 240 and used for river or other water crossings to helpfloat things across. In some implementations, a common fitting for themechanical flange 244 of the inflatable unit load device 102 may beincluded with various deployed units and air compressors to reinflatethe one or more inflatable interior bladder cells 240. In furtherimplementations, the impact pillow 302 may also be used as an additionalflotation device. In some implementations, the deflated inflatable unitload device 102 may be used for patient recovery operations, such as asling that can be attached to a load sling, lift bag, etc. In someimplementations, the deflated or inflated inflatable unit load device102 could be used a shelter or tarp. In some implementations, theinflatable unit load device 102 may be colored in specific patternsbased on mission parameters, such as a camouflage pattern or brightorange, etc. In some implementations, the inflatable unit load device102 could be reinflated and used as a cold weather sleeping mat forusers while in the field.

In the above description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe present disclosure. However, it should be understood that thetechnology described herein can be practiced without these specificdetails. Further, various systems, devices, and structures are shown inblock diagram form to avoid obscuring the description.

To ease description, some elements of the system and/or the methods arereferred to using the labels first, second, third, or a, b, c, etc.These labels are intended to help to distinguish the elements but do notnecessarily imply any particular order or ranking unless indicatedotherwise.

The foregoing description has been presented for the purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the specification to the precise form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. As will be understood by those familiar with the art, thespecification may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Likewise, theparticular naming and division of the modules, routines, features,attributes, methodologies and other aspects are not mandatory orsignificant, and the mechanisms that implement the specification or itsfeatures may have different names, divisions and/or formats.

What is claimed is:
 1. An inflatable unit load device comprising: abladder having one or more inflatable interior bladder cells and a topsurface, the top surface of the bladder forming a rigid support surfacewhen the bladder is inflated on which cargo can be loaded; an outermaterial that positions the one or more inflatable interior bladdercells; and a cargo retaining system that retains the cargo on the topsurface.
 2. The inflatable unit load device of claim 1, wherein the oneor more inflatable interior bladder cells are patchable when a leakoccurs.
 3. The inflatable unit load device of claim 1, wherein the cargoretaining system is configured to attach to a parachute and be deployedfrom an aircraft.
 4. The inflatable unit load device of claim 3, whereinthe bladder has a bottom surface opposing the top surface and whereinthe one or more inflatable interior bladder cells are disposed betweenthe top surface and the bottom surface, such that the bladder protectsthe cargo from an impact force to the bottom surface during deploymentfrom an aircraft.
 5. The inflatable unit load device of claim 1, whereinthe one or more inflatable interior bladder cells include one or morepressure relief valves.
 6. The inflatable unit load device of claim 5,wherein the one or more pressure relief valves are configured to releasean internal pressure within the one or more pressure relief valves whenthe internal pressure exceeds a threshold value.
 7. The inflatable unitload device of claim 1, wherein the one or more inflatable interiorbladder cells include a mechanical flange for one or more of inflationof the one or more inflatable interior bladder cells and deflation ofthe one or more inflatable interior bladder cells.
 8. The inflatableunit load device of claim 1, wherein the one or more inflatable interiorbladder cells and the outer material are configured to be rolled up forstorage when deflated.
 9. The inflatable unit load device of claim 1,wherein the cargo is a vehicle positioned on the top surface when thebladder is inflated and securely retained in place by the cargoretaining system.
 10. The inflatable unit load device of claim 1,wherein the cargo retaining system includes a webbing system having s acenter strap that wraps circumferentially around the outer material, thecenter strap including one or more loops through which parachutingwebbing straps may be passed, the one or more loops retaining theparachute webbing in place when the one or more inflatable interiorbladder cells are inflated.
 11. A method of deploying an inflatable unitload device comprising: positioning a cargo retaining system around adeflated outer material of an inflatable unit load device that includesa bladder with one or more inflatable interior bladder cells; inflatingthe one or more interior bladder cells of the bladder of the inflatableunit load device until a top surface of the inflatable unit load deviceis sufficiently stable to support a cargo; loading a cargo onto the topsurface; and securing the cargo using attachment mechanisms of the cargoretaining system.
 12. The method of deploying the inflatable unit loaddevice of claim 11, wherein the cargo retaining system includesparachute attachment mechanisms and the method further comprisesattaching a parachute system to the parachute attachment mechanisms; anddeploying the cargo with the inflatable unit load device out of anaircraft via the parachute system.
 13. The method of deploying theinflatable unit load device of claim 12, wherein the bladder has abottom surface opposing the top surface and the one or more interiorbladder cells are disposed between the top surface and the bottomsurface such that an impact force applied to the bottom surface isdissipated by the one or more inflatable interior bladder cells toprotect the cargo from the impact force.
 14. The method of deploying theinflatable unit load device of claim 13, wherein after landing, themethod further comprises: unloading the cargo from the top surface;deflating the one or more interior bladder cells of the bladder; androlling up the deflated outer material and the one or more interiorbladder cells of the bladder for storage.
 15. The method of deployingthe inflatable unit load device of claim 13, wherein cargo is furtherprotected from the impact force by an impact pillow that is positionedbetween the cargo and the top surface.
 16. An inflatable unit loaddevice system comprising: a bladder having one or more inflatableinterior bladder cells disposed between a top surface and a bottomsurface, the top surface of the bladder forming a rigid support surfaceon which cargo can be loaded when the bladder is inflated; a cargoretaining system that retains the cargo on the top surface; and animpact pillow with a separate inflatable bladder system, the impactpillow being positioned between the top surface and at least a portionof the cargo to provide additional protection to the cargo.
 17. Theinflatable unit load device system of claim 16, wherein the impactpillow is specifically shaped to provide protection to at least aportion of the cargo when an impact force is applied to the bottomsurface.
 18. The inflatable unit load device system of claim 16, whereinthe impact pillow includes one or more impact pillow pressure reliefvalves that are configured to release pressure at a first thresholdpressure value and wherein the one or more inflatable interior bladdercells include one or more pressure relief valves that are configured torelease pressure at a second threshold pressure value.
 19. Theinflatable unit load device system of claim 18, wherein the firstthreshold pressure value and the second threshold pressure valueproviding cascading pressure relief to protect at least a portion of thecargo from an impact force applied to the bottom surface during landing.20. The inflatable unit load device system of claim 16, wherein thecargo retaining system is further configured to attach to a parachutesystem and the cargo is deployable from an aircraft via the parachutesystem.